Holiday Gift Picks for Winter 2020
One of my favorite things to do is provide recommendations/pitch my ideas, be it menu picks, restaurant recommendations, etc. My close friends know that another topic about which I’m passionate is gift giving.
That said, I’m sharing my recommendations for this holiday season, categorized how I do for myself as I build the list throughout the year.
A few of these links are affiliate links, meaning I’ll get a cut if you purchase via the link, but your price will remain steady.
Stocking Stuffers
RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS + MERCH | These should take the cake this year. Gift what you can in restaurant gift cards, and let the rest follow. Texas French Bread (their tees are great). Emmer & Rye team (Hestia/TLV/Kalimotxo/Henbit; artist’s stationary and children’s book on the list as well). Bufalina. Hai Hospitality (Uchi/Uchiko/Loro). Kitchen Garden Farm (for the spice-freak in your life). Sway. Texas Honey Ham. Pinthouse Pizza. FoodHeads. Comedor. Red Ash. Whisler’s. ATX Cocina. Matt’s El Rancho. Hillside Farmacy. Launderette. MMH (Clark’s/Pool Burger/Lambert’s/June’s/Elizabeth St./Perla’s etc.; I love their Deep Eddy towel).
A BITE SIZED HISTORY OF FRANCE | A friend of mine recently recommended it, and it’s sitting on my bedside table for once I finish my current read. Found here.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | A bit strange for a gift, but it’s now part of my morning routine. After using it for about a month, I no longer use caffeine to get my day started. I’ve read plenty about its digestive benefits and finally gave it a shot—worth it. Found here.
MIKE’S HOT HONEY | I use it regularly for an aioli with shishitos, as well as on desserts. Found here.
BOTTLE OPENER (FOR YOUR WALLET) | It’s an easy stocking stuffer for any 20-something who’s prone to cracking open a beer where you least expect it. Found here.
SALSAS BY MASIENDA | Incorporated into the restaurants at Comedor, Masienda’s ingredients are high quality and great for the foodie in your life. Found here.
PATAGONIA PROVISIONS | In an effort to contribute to the brand’s mission of sustainability, they’ve created a website focused on ethical sourcing of your food. If you haven’t read Let My People Go Surfing, you should. I read it once per year to keep myself in check. Here’s a link to more—I recommend checking out not only their food options, but also their books about livestock, seafood, etc.
Main Gifts
($ | $$ | $$$) Order in which they came to mind.
UCHI: THE COOKBOOK | $ | Tyson Cole shares both the story of his path to opening Uchi and a few staple recipes that you’ve likely tried if you’ve been to any Uchi location. Book found here.
REBEL CHEESE, VEGAN CHEESE TASTING | $ | For Austin locals only. If you made it past the name, you’ll likely get a hit out of it. Order online (when tastings are available, snag one and they’ll deliver your cheese board). I recommend the Ash Chèvre, Sundried Tomato Herb Coated Boursin, and Truffle Chèvre. I haven’t tried them all, and have no doubt I’ll add some to my go-to list as I try more.
IDEA: HANDWRITTEN RECIPE ON HAND TOWEL | $ | My aunt did this last year with a longtime family recipe, and it was one of the most memorable gifts from the year.
OYSTER SHUCKING KIT | $$ | Find them from the following spots: Austin Oyster Co (haven’t yet tried, shucking services optional), Clark’s Oyster Bar (tools included), Food & Wine’s most recent list.
Potted herbs or pots for herbs
AL’S COCKTAIL CLUB | $$ | I had the privilege of connecting with Al through work. This item is at the top of my wishlist for the holidays. Sign up or purchase for someone here (private classes offered as well).
BUFALINA WINE CLUB | $$-$$$ | My go-to stop for natural wine in Austin is Bufalina. They’re now offering a wine club with three- or six-bottle bundles per month at various price points. Reserve your spot here.
WACO WINE SHOPPE | $$ | Three bottles for $51 per month. They’re the source of many Texas restaurants’ wine collections. Read more and subscribe here.
INDIGARE GLOBAL CLASSROOM | $$$ | This assortment of offerings is absurd. Depending on the class, it can come at a high price point. I’ve recently started the cooking course with chefs from around the world, and it’s opportunity like very few. I highly recommend checking out what they have to offer—wine tastings, cooking classes, art classes, historical architecture tours, etc.—all virtual for now. Dig in.
AMAZON COAT | $$ | Call me crazy, but this coat is a game changer. Great for late night walks to your favorite restaurant during the winter, it has more pockets than I’ve cared to count—great for your bottle opener, your wallet, your significant other, etc. Found here.
TIPPSY | $-$$$ | Sake delivered to your door. Found here.
FLAMINGO ESTATE PRODUCTS | $-$$$ | If you live in LA, definitely check out the produce boxes. If you don’t, the property has an assortment of candles, soaps, tinctures, etc. all created on the property with what they’ve farmed. Found here.
“FRIENDS OF” THINGTESTING | $ | One of my favorite brands, Thingtesting, serves as a platform for open feedback about DTC companies/products without the worry of having your opinion swayed by ads, bias, etc. For $49 per year, you get access to discounts, extra information, their Close Friends list on IG, etc. For the product guru in your life, I highly recommend it.
EVERMILL SPICE RACK | $$ | It’s December 10th, and I just found this spice rack through Thingtesting. If you’re looking to add anything to your list, look here. The spice rack comes in an in-drawer or countertop option, magnetically centers the labels, and is intentionally packaged in dark containers to keep them as fresh as possible. Found here.
CHARLIE BIRD WINE SCHOOL | $$ | Dec 11 | I just came across Charlie Bird’s latest addition to it’s shop—wine classes! Keep an eye out for more—no doubt they’ll be great. Found here.
